UW–Madison receives $23.5 million grant for healthy transformation

The Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources, a unit of University Health Services at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, announced today (Sept. 27) that it has received a $23.5 million federal grant to make it easier for Wisconsin residents to be and stay healthy.

The project will address public demand for proven prevention strategies that decrease obesity and tobacco use across Wisconsin. It will also increase early screening for chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. The award, called the Community Transformation Grant, is granted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Wisconsin’s public health movement rallied around this application and will be a powerful force in creating a healthier Wisconsin going forward,” says Tom Sieger, UHS director of prevention services. “The grant will help improve the overall health and well-being of Wisconsin residents, lower the rates of life-threatening chronic diseases and bring down health care costs for us all.”

The award will be spread over five years and will be distributed to local community-based coalitions in 10 Wisconsin cities and a statewide coalition of public health partners, including the YMCA, Health First Wisconsin, the UW–Madison Department of Nutritional Sciences, the Wisconsin Cancer Council and many others.

“YMCAs across the state of Wisconsin are thrilled to collaborate and help make this healthy transformation happen for Wisconsin,” says Carrie Wall, president and CEO of the YMCA of Dane County. “Not only does the Y help kids move more and educate them about making healthy choices, but we are also committed to working with community leaders to institute policy and systems changes that increase physical activity and improve access to healthy foods.”

For more than 35 years, the Wisconsin Clearinghouse for Prevention Resources has advanced public health and prevention efforts in the state through accurate, up-to-date information, training and technical assistance to help Wisconsin youth, families, schools and communities in the promotion of healthy practices and the prevention of injury and disease.

In keeping with the Wisconsin Idea, the organization strives to make information about environmental strategies, research-based programs, and new technologies and practices available to residents beyond the university and throughout the state.